Back to Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes: January 8, 2009
Call to Order:7:09 p.m.
Members Present:Jones, Thorne, Campbell, Keyes and Bosworth
Acceptance of Minutes: 11/1312008 Minutes were accepted unanimously as amended
Open Forum: None
New Business: -Chairman Jones announced that he would like authorization from the Commission to
petition the Personnel Board to authorize a step-raise from a 14-1 to a 14-2 for Director Mark Thorell.
·Motion: To allow authorize Chairman Jones to petition the Personnel Board to authorize a step-raise
from a 14-1 to a 14-2 for Director Mark Thorell. Made by Commissioner Keyes and seconded by
Commissioner Thorne. Vote: Unanimous
-Chairman Jones began a discussion regarding the proposed 20 I0 budget recommendations made my
Town Accountant Ted Alexiades. Members and the Director shared their thoughts. Advisory Board
member Laura Marwill offered her understanding of the proposal. Chairman Jones announced that he had
tentatively scheduled a meeting with the Town Accountant for January 13, 2009 to discuss the matter.
Old Business:
-Field Permit Application: Commissioners Thorne and Campbell shared a draft. of a revised field permit
application that they and Director Thorell had prepared. Concern was raised over the proposed fee structure
for "non-profit" vs "not-for-profit" organizations. Chairman Jones expressed his belief that if organizers
and coaches of an organization are being paid that the organization is a for-profit organization and should
pay the higher fee. His sentiment was shared by other Commissioners. HLUBR baseball representative
expressed his view that the fees should not be increased and that a new funding partnership should be
considered - similar to the arrangement they have at the Lynch/PAL fields.
-Point of Order - Chairman Jones excused himself from the meeting in order to attend the Personnel
Board meeting. Vice Chairman Keyes took control of the meeting.
-School Vacation Activities - Commissioner Campbell expressed his view that there is a need for day
time activities at the Recreation Center during school vacations. A discussion ensued with various ideas
and opinions offered. Director Thorell agreed to research by means of a survey, web site info request and a
discussion with the School Department.
-Recreation Wagon - The Commission entertained a discussion regarding the Recreation Wagon. Ideas
were shared on how best to ensure that the Wagon becomes successful during 2009. Commissioners
Campbell, Thorne and Bosworth agreed to work with Director Thorell to develop a business plan.
Chairman's Report - Chairman Jones reported that the Haley Field fence had been completely installed
and in good order. He reported that an innocent mistake led to an increase in the cost but that the cost was
manageable under our budget.
- Point of Order· Chairman Jones returned from the Personnel Board meeting and announced that the
requested step raise for Director Thorell had been approved.
-StriderslFriends of Hingham Recreation - Chairman Jones reported that a meeting was being scheduled
to discuss a continued partnership and how best to work together.
Directors Report: Please see distributed report. Actions taken:
-Authorization to allow the use of the HRC facility for a spin-a-thon to benefit the Hingham Food Pantry
at a date to be determined.
Motion: Comm. Keyes and second by Comm. Bosworth. Vote Unanimous
-The Recreation Center will follow the same procedure as Town Hall regarding storm Closures
- Summer Scholarships - Commissioner Campbell began a discussion regarding his view that the
Commission should continue to offer scholarships to the Hingham Recreation Summer Camp using funds
from the Hingham Road Race Gift Account. In light of the difficult fiscal situation Commissioner
Campbell expressed that he feels it is critically important for the Commission to offer these scholarships
to those in need.
-Motion: ..It is the sense of the Commission that the offering of 30 summer scholarships to the Hingham
Recreation Summer Camp remains a high priority and that it is the intention of the Commission to
continue to make these available using funds from the Road Race/Gift Account. Made by Mr. Campbell
and seconded by Mr. Thorne
Vote: Unanimous
- Motion to Adjourn: Made by Mr. Keyes and seconded by Mr. Thorne
Vote: Unanimous 9:30 p.m.